What makes Canada truly special is its vast, untamed wilderness—some of the last remaining wild landscapes on Earth. From rugged coastlines and ancient forests to remote islands and alpine meadows, the Canadian landscape offers a profound sense of solitude and scale that is increasingly rare.
A new wave of landscape hotels across the country, like Fogo Island Inn in Newfoundland, the Wickaninnish Inn, Nami Project, Clayoquot Wilderness Lodge in British Columbia, and Whispering Springs in Ontario, are embracing this raw beauty. These properties offer immersive stays that honour the land, blending thoughtful design with sustainability and deep respect for nature. Whether it's watching icebergs drift past your window or falling asleep to the sound of the forest, these retreats celebrate Canada’s wilderness not just as a backdrop but as the experience itself.
Fogo Island Inn
Fogo Island, Newfoundland
Photos by Alex Fradkin, Kristopher Grunert, Bent René Synnevåg, Coffee Abroad, Michael Hayter, Paddy Barry.
Photos by Alex Fradkin, Kristopher Grunert, Bent René Synnevåg, Coffee Abroad, Michael Hayter, Paddy Barry.
You will find yourself in the most eastern part of Canada. Surrounded by jagged rocks and a powerful ocean, Fogo Island Inn is located on an island off Newfoundland and is a destination in itself. The award-winning hotel is one of the only 100% social projects in the world, using the most forward-looking and responsible environmental practices, with all of its operating surpluses reinvested back into the Fogo Island community.
Designed by Newfoundland-born architect Todd Saunders, the modern inn consists of twenty-nine rooms and suites with floor-to-ceiling windows facing the North Atlantic Ocean, with a separate Shed building located on the rocks of the foreshore. There are also four residency-based contemporary art studios scattered throughout the island, inspired by traditional fishing houses on stilts.
Fogo Island Inn emerged out of a 400-year-old vernacular tradition of creating seemingly temporary, although ultimately permanent, structures that are light on their feet. Originally, Newfoundland’s outport settlers were not permitted to build permanent structures or dwellings: prohibited from taking up permanent residence, our ancestors were expected to fish Fogo Island’s waters but eventually return home to England or Ireland. This led to the creation of buildings that were made of wood as opposed to stone and rested lightly on the landscape by making use of stilt wood legs – called shores – rather than fixed heavy foundations.
The Wickaninnish Inn
Vancouver Island, British Columbia
Photo by Jeremy Koreski
Photo by Izabela Elias
The Wickaninnish Inn, located on the rugged western edge of Vancouver Island in Tofino, British Columbia, is a place where raw nature and thoughtful design converge. Nestled between the ancient rainforests of Pacific Rim National Park Reserve and the dramatic shores of the Pacific Ocean, the Inn offers unparalleled access to some of Canada’s most breathtaking landscapes.
Surrounded by towering cedar and spruce trees, miles of unspoiled beaches, and the rhythmic crash of ocean waves, Wickaninnish is a sanctuary for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike. Its location on Chesterman Beach provides stunning views of the ocean and endless opportunities for outdoor activities such as surfing, storm watching, exploring nearby trails and contemplative beach walks .
The Inn’s architecture and design reflect a deep respect for its natural surroundings and local craftsmanship. Built with locally sourced materials from Vancouver Island, including red and yellow cedar, yew wood, and black Carmanah marble, the Inn showcases an authentic connection to its environment. Hand-adzed cedar beams, carved by the late Henry Nolla, the original resident carver, along with handmade Maxwell Newhouse driftwood chairs and custom-built furniture, add unique touches to each room. Guests will also find hand-adzed coffee tables and Fred Peters evocative paintings of Tofino’s scenery, making every space a tribute to the region’s artistry. The onsite carving shed, home to resident carvers, highlights the Inn's commitment to celebrating local artisanship, providing a window into the rich traditions of the area.
Every guest at the Wickaninnish Inn is treated as an individual, with the team dedicated to delivering warm, genuine service and creating unforgettable experiences. The Ancient Cedars Spa and The Pointe Restaurant embody this ethos, offering locally inspired menus and treatments that complement the inn’s natural surroundings. The Wickaninnish Inn is more than a tranquil retreat—it’s a celebration of nature, craftsmanship, and a deeply rooted connection to the Pacific Northwest.
The Nami Project
Vancouver Island, British Columbia
Photo by The Nami Project
Photo by The Nami Project
The Nami Project is an adults-only oceanfront landscape hotel situated in the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve in Ucluelet, British Columbia, Canada. Offering unparalleled access to nature, the property is just steps from the Pacific Rim Trail. The Tofino-Ucluelet area is a compelling destination known for its stunning natural landscapes, unique wildlife encounters, and rich cultural experiences set against Vancouver Island's rugged coastline.
Created as a haven for slow and silent living, The Nami Project encourages guests to embrace the rhythm of the changing seasons and the tranquility of nature. The meticulously designed cabins and suites, each featuring a personal cedar sauna, offer breathtaking ocean and forest views. This environment invites guests to slow down, practice gratitude, and relax, fully immersing themselves in the natural beauty surrounding them.
Embracing Japandi design, The Nami Project blends Japanese simplicity and harmony with Scandinavian minimalism and warmth. Large sliding glass windows and extended ceilings provide unobstructed views of the coastline, enhancing the connection with nature. Each cabin and suite includes a custom-made cedar sauna and a private sunken cedar hot tub (in cabins only). Guests also have access to a common area with additional hot tubs, a cold plunge tub, lounge chairs, and a gas fireplace.
Guests at The Nami can enjoy incredible moments from their units, such as whale watching, observing bald eagles, and the calming rhythm of the tides. The emphasis on thoughtful design promotes well-being, making The Nami Project a unique retreat that combines a truly undisturbed experience with the attentive care of a traditional hotel.
Whispering Springs Wilderness Retreat
Northumberland County, Ontario
Photos by Whispering Springs
Photos by Whispering Springs
Whispering Springs Wilderness Retreat is a luxury glamping experience surrounded by the beauty of the Canadian nature in Northumberland County, Ontario. The retreat’s signature safari tents are inspired by Canada's historical prospector tents, featuring custom-made furnishings, plush king-sized beds, stand-alone soaker tubs, and electric fireplaces for a cozy ambiance. Each tent is thoughtfully designed to offer views of the spring-fed ponds and surrounding forests.
Beyond the luxurious tents, Whispering Springs offers an array of amenities that elevate the wilderness experience. Guests can relax by the saltwater pool, soak in the hot tub, or embrace the benefits of the cold plunge and sauna. A highlight of Whispering Springs is its Forest Chapel, nestled within an ancient grove of towering cedars and pines. This enchanting space is perfect for intimate weddings and elopements, offering a fairytale setting for unforgettable ceremonies.
Whether it’s morning yoga by the pond, evenings spent by the crackling fire, or simply relaxing in your private tent surrounded by nature, Whispering Springs allows guests to experience the best of the Canadian wilderness with a conscious approach to sustainability. By thoughtfully protecting the surrounding environment and minimizing their ecological footprint, the retreat ensures that guests can feel good about their stay while fully embracing the serene beauty of the outdoors.
Clayoquot Wilderness Resort
Clayoquot Sound UNESCO Biosphere Reserve
Photo by Clayoquot Wilderness Resort
Photo by Clayoquot Wilderness Resort
Nestled in the heart of British Columbia's pristine Clayoquot Sound UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, the Clayoquot Wilderness Resort is a remarkable destination for those seeking an immersive natural experience. This eco-friendly resort offers luxurious, safari-style accommodations amid lush temperate rainforests, calm inlets, and rugged coastline. The resort's tents, or "Ensuite Bedrooms," provide a unique blend of rustic elegance and comfort, with plush furnishings and cozy wood-burning stoves. Surrounded by old-growth cedar and hemlock trees, guests can enjoy the sounds of nature right outside their canvas walls, fostering a deep connection to the wilderness.
What sets Clayoquot Wilderness Resort apart is its dedication to protecting and conserving the environment. This commitment extends to its wildlife conservation programs, habitat restoration projects, and adherence to Leave No Trace principles. Guests can engage in nature-based activities like wildlife viewing and coastal restoration projects, furthering their understanding and appreciation of the region's ecological significance. All of these efforts, combined with a world-class culinary program, exemplary guest services, and unforgettable wilderness adventures, create a harmonious blend of luxury and environmental stewardship. Clayoquot Wilderness Resort is a true pioneer in sustainable tourism and an ideal choice for those seeking an eco-friendly retreat immersed in nature's splendor.
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